7. Indeed Israel is the vineyard of the Lord who commands armies,the people of Judah are the cultivated place in which he took delight.He waited for justice, but look what he got – disobedience!He waited for fairness, but look what he got – cries for help!
8. Those who accumulate houses are as good as dead,those who also accumulate landed propertyuntil there is no land left,and you are the only landowners remaining within the land.
9. The Lord who commands armies told me this: “Many houses will certainly become desolate,large, impressive houses will have no one living in them.
10. Indeed, a large vineyard will produce just a few gallons,and enough seed to yield several bushels will produce less than a bushel.”
11. Those who get up early to drink beer are as good as dead,those who keep drinking long after darkuntil they are intoxicated with wine.
12. They have stringed instruments, tambourines, flutes,and wine at their parties.So they do not recognize what the Lord is doing,they do not perceive what he is bringing about.
13. Therefore my people will be deportedbecause of their lack of understanding.Their leaders will have nothing to eat,their masses will have nothing to drink.